Summary
One of the most important aspects of a good horror game is immersion. If a horror game can manage to make players believe that they are right there with the protagonist along for the nightmarish adventure, immersing them into the experience as much as possible, then it can result in a memorable experience that will stick with them long after the credits roll. One of the most effective ways developers can achieve this is by implementingmotion controls, giving players more control over their actions than usual, adding to the tension.
Though video games in general have often struggled to make full use of motion controls, every genre has managed to amass a collection of titles that show what it’s truly capable of, and that includes the horror genre. It’s time to take a look at these horror titles to rank them based on how well they manage to incorporate motion controls, and their overall quality in general.
8Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
A PSVR PlayStation Move Title That Stands Out For Its Incredibly Eerie Atmosphere
ThoughParanormal Activity: The Lost Soulfollows a pretty traditional survival horror gameplay formula of exploring an open area and seeking out keys, items, and resources, the atmosphere is what really makes it stand out. With theVR headseton and two Move controllers linked up to the console, the game feels eerily realistic, especially when paired with the unnerving sound design and the constant mind games that it tries to pull on the player throughout the story.
Players are largely defenseless for a lot of this game, which only makes it even more terrifying when an enemy sounds as if they’re right around the corner, with players' only options being to run or hide. Though it might not be the most ambitious game out there,Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soulinstead decided to prioritize its immersion through its VR and motion control compatibility.
This reimagining of the very first game in the series once again puts players in the shoes of Harry Mason, a man on a desperate journey to rescue his daughter from the eerie town ofSilent Hill. While the game would be released for several systems, it’s only with the Wii version where motion controls would play an integral role in the core gameplay, being used for solving puzzles, aiming the flashlight, and even running away during the game’s many exhilarating chase sequences.
The Wii remote can also be used for switching on the cell phone, which includes handy tools like a GPS and a camera, though using it always makes for a scary few moments since Silent Hill is constantly crawling with creepy creatures who can pop out to surprise Harry as soon as he looks back up.
Until Dawn: Rush of Bloodplays a lot differently from the point-and-click horror title seen a few years earlier. This game was one of the first titles released for the PlayStation VR and plays like anarcade rail shooterwhere players embark on a terrifying thrill ride while shooting targets and enemies along the way with the use of the PS Move controllers.
While the game already starts off scary enough with all the ghoulish imagery and gore, this only ramps up the longer it goes on, especially as the bosses get more and more intimidating. Though it is a little on the shorter side,Rush of Bloodis still one of the scariest VR games out there that manages to perfectly merge the motion controls and VR headset into its gameplay, creating a wonderful sense of immersion as a result.
Technically,House of the Deadgames have always used motion controls ever since they first appeared in arcades, but the best offering of these titles would be the duo package that was released for the Wii, featuring the first 2 games in the series. Though the plotline and areas have remained largely untouched, the inclusion of the motion controls, which are supported by the Zapper, a gun-shaped accessory that allows players to enjoy a replica of the arcade experience without even needing to leave the living room.
These games are actually so intense that they even feature a training mode where players can warm up their speed and accuracy to ensure they manage to save each and every survivor they come across in the main story. Whether players jump in for a solo session or with a buddy, they can expect to have an absolute blast breezing through these two legendary installments, which have been updated for modern audiences to enjoy.
This specifically refers to theNintendo Switch portofAlien Isolation, which would make clever use of the Gyro motion controls to help immerse players into the incredibly tense gameplay loop. Players can not only aim their weapons with the motion controls but can also hold up their movement tracker, which is Amanda’s go-to tool for figuring out where the Alien is. However, since this malicious behemoth is usually always creeping around each and every room, and is also capable of learning the player’s habits to ambush them, it means the game is already terrifying, and simply becomes even scarier when motion controls are involved.
This is also a game that can require quick thinking and reflexes, meaning one slip-up with the controller can easily end in a game onscreen. Though the functionality may be a little limited, being able to add even more immersion to this already beloved survival horror title is a welcome bonus that helps differentiate this port from many others.
Dead Space Extractionwas initially released for the Nintendo Wii where players could use the system’s controller as an easy to aim their weapons, but it would alsolater be dropped for the PS3,where players could instead use the PlayStation Move controller. Either way, both versions of the game will take players on a horrific journey through a mining colony and the Ishimura before Isaac turns up in the first game, making it a prequel.
As a result, players will be tasked with trying to survive while fending off hordes of Necromorphs, while also picking up notes and documents as they go to try and piece together what exactly started this outbreak in the first place. While the motion controls are fun to use and responsive for this game, since there’s also a ranking system for each chapter, it encourages players to be extra careful with their accuracy if they want to stand tall on the leaderboard, adding a lot of replay value as a result.
This remake of the originalFatal Frame 2arrived on the Wii in 2012, and while it upgraded the graphics and added plenty of new endings, it also allowed players to become a more active part of the gameplay through the Wii’s motion controls. See, in theFatal Framegames, the characters will often use a Camera Obscura to scare off ghosts and souls who roam around the environments, so this time around, it’s up to the player to pull off the perfect snapshot with their controller.
Additionally, the remote is also used for aiming the flashlight when exploring the dark and eerie corridors of the abandoned buildings and the haunted village. This certainly isn’t a game for the faint of heart, but any horror buffs who think they can handle the scares should definitely check out this underrated remake for the Wii.
Arguably the best port ofResident Evil 4, which is certainly saying something considering how many of them exist, is the version released for the Nintendo Wii. While the story, characters, and bonus modes are all exactly the same as previous versions, the major difference is that players now take control of the reticle by lifting and swaying the Wii remote. Considering shooting specific body parts is a core gameplay mechanic inResident Evil 4so Leon can pull off melee attacks, it ramps up the tension considerably as players scramble to try and pull off a shot before being struck down by Ganado.
Things become even more hectic when diving into theMercenaries mode, where earning a high score is much easier said than done considering how tricky it can be to maintain perfect accuracy for an entire round. One thing is for sure though, the simple addition of the motion controls adds a ton of immersion to this classic survival horror gem, sucking players into the experience from the moment Leon leaves the cop car.
